Smorgasboarder_23_winter_2014

PHOTO: PASSIONS
"I’VE ALSO LEARNT NOT TO
SHOOT AT SUNSET IF THERE’S
A LOT OF BAITFISH AROUND."
Mick Campbell, Ex-WCT surfer
Unknown, Lighthouse beach
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RUNNING A
DAILY PHOTO BLOG ON YOUR WEBSITE?
For just over a year now. It’s not really daily
anymore unless we have a good run of weather
and waves. I decided people weren’t any keener
to see photos of bad waves on rainy days than I
was to take them.
WHAT WAS THE PRINCIPAL REASON
BEHIND STARTING THE BLOG?
I was inspired by a daily email coming out of
Manly called Sprout Daily. Every day I’d get
emails with great photos that often included
mates of mine. I thought to myself, “Someone
really should be doing a version of this in Port
Macquarie”
WHAT GEAR ARE YOU CAPTURING YOUR
IMAGES ON?
I use a Canon 7D. When I’m in the water I use
an Aquatech Sport Housing and Tokina 11-16, A
cheap 8mm fi sheye or a Canon 50mm.
On land I was using a Sigma 150-500 but I’ve
just got hold of a Canon 300mm 2.8L.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ALONG THE WAY
IN A PHOTOGRAPHY SENSE?
I’ve learnt a lot along the way. I look back at my
early photos and I’m pretty embarrassed. I’ve got
a couple of friends who are great photographers
and have helped out with some great advice.
I learnt to back up my photos when a hard drive
died taking about 60,000 photos with it.
I’ve also learnt not to shoot at sunset if there’s a
lot of baitfi sh around. (laughs)
HAS CAPTURING SO MANY IMAGES OF
LOCAL SURFERS AND BREAKS SHED A
NEW LIGHT ON YOUR HOMETOWN?
Not really. I’ve always known we are lucky to
live in in a pretty good part of the world.
Anybody interested in Mike's photos can sign up
for the free emails on the Sandy Feet website.
"We promise we won’t spam you or sell your
details," Mike says. "And if you get sick of
looking at nice waves you can unsubscribe any
time you like."
www.sandyfeetsurf.com.au and for the daily
emails, see sandyfeetsurf.blogspot.com.au
Sandy Feet Surf Co
88
SMORGASBOARDER | AUTUMN/WINTER 2014